"We felt relieved she was back in Australia and we believed she would be safe," Mrs Frazer said.

"Sarah said, 'I've looked after myself travelling in Third World countries, you don't need to worry about me, I'm only just going to Wagga,' " Mr Frazer quoted her as saying.

In a victim-impact statement read by a friend, Mr Clark's wife, Samantha, said she recognised her husband's tow truck on TV news coverage of the double fatality.

She said she was unable to tell her four boys the dreadful news and police officers had to break their father's death to them.

"I never thought I would find myself alone to raise four young sons," Mrs Clark said.

"Geoff knew them from the day they were born; he loved and nurtured them and supported them only as a father could."

The court heard Barnett was driving for Barnetts Couriers, a company set up by his grandfather, Bob, and which he is expected to take over.

Since the crash his licence has been suspended and he has been working in the depot.

Judge Stephen Hanley was told Barnett was not speeding, was not affected by drugs or alcohol and there was no evidence he was using a mobile phone at the time. But he was a professional driver who had driven on that highway many times.

Outside the court, Mr Frazer said: "We feel very sorry for Kaine and for his family but at the same time, of course, it shattered our lives and it's something that continues on a day to day basis.

"We're hoping that on the 24th of April at sentencing that this will at least bring some closure for the family and friends."